AMA Early in the pandemic, physician experiences were largely influenced by geography, specialty and personal COVID-19 experiences. But a year into the pandemic, the environment was different because physicians were facing staffing shortages, anti-science aggression, incivility and new dimensions of moral distress. All of this may have had an impact on professional fulfillment, which can contribute to a burnout rate that rose dramatically to 63% in 2021.
Professional fulfillment refers to a sense of satisfaction and enjoyment that comes from work. Meanwhile, physician burnout is defined as a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion caused by excessive and prolonged stress. When individuals experience professional fulfillment, they are more likely to feel engaged and motivated, which serves as a buffer against burnout.
In contrast, when individuals do not find their work fulfilling or meaningful, they may become disengaged, which can lead to burnout over time. Burnout can also negatively impact professional fulfillment by creating a cycle of exhaustion, cynicism and reduced productivity, contributing to decreased satisfaction and fulfillment in work.
Between Dec. 9, 2021, and Jan. 24, 2022, nearly 2,500 U.S. physicians responded to a survey by researchers from the Stanford University School of Medicine, AMA, the Mayo Clinic and the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The researchers found that professional fulfillment scores fell, dropping from 40% in 2020 to 22.4% in 2021.